Freeskier Magazine » Matt Harveyhttp://freeskier.com
Sun, 02 Aug 2015 16:11:13 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.2.3New Hampshire’s Whaleback Mountain to closehttp://freeskier.com/the-wire/new-hampshires-whaleback-mountain-to-close
http://freeskier.com/the-wire/new-hampshires-whaleback-mountain-to-close#commentsFri, 15 Mar 2013 16:29:57 +0000http://freeskier.com/?p=25063Whaleback Mountain announced on its blog yesterday that it will shut down its lifts at the end of this season, after eight years of operation under Evan Dybvig and his cohorts, citing an inability to pay down its debt. It is with deep regret that Frank, Dylan and I, owners and managing members, inform you […]

]]>Whaleback Mountain announced on its blog yesterday that it will shut down its lifts at the end of this season, after eight years of operation under Evan Dybvig and his cohorts, citing an inability to pay down its debt.

It is with deep regret that Frank, Dylan and I, owners and managing members, inform you that we have no option but to close our business. We sincerely hope that our departure is not the end of skiing and riding at Whaleback.

]]>http://freeskier.com/the-wire/new-hampshires-whaleback-mountain-to-close/feed0Behind the test: How we use technology to simplify ski testinghttp://freeskier.com/stories/behind-the-test-how-we-use-technology-to-simplify-ski-testing
http://freeskier.com/stories/behind-the-test-how-we-use-technology-to-simplify-ski-testing#commentsTue, 12 Mar 2013 17:41:19 +0000http://freeskier.com/?p=25034For decades, ski magazines have performed “ski tests” in an effort to dole out coveted awards to the ski manufacturers who create the best tools of the trade. Each media outlet approaches testing differently, but one thing is fairly consistent: after a ski tester takes a lap or two on a ski, he or she […]

]]>For decades, ski magazines have performed “ski tests” in an effort to dole out coveted awards to the ski manufacturers who create the best tools of the trade. Each media outlet approaches testing differently, but one thing is fairly consistent: after a ski tester takes a lap or two on a ski, he or she fills out a paper test form and files the results for editors to review at a later date.

This is how we at Freeskier have done it for 10 years. But there are several problems with this method.

For one, there’s no easy way to keep track of how many testers have been on a ski. As a result, some skis end up with twice as many test forms as others. Two, all those test forms need to be kept in a safe place from the time they’re filled out on the hill to when they’re pulled back out to compile results later. This leads to very poor security around the forms, and all it takes is a big wind gust out on the hill and you could lose thousands of dollars worth of testing data. Third, someone has to eventually enter the test form data into a spreadsheet or database to actually do something with the information. This extra step is primed for error-introduction. The list goes on.

Getting work done on the gondola; All-Mountain Ski Test at Aspen

This year at #FreeskierFest, we’re changing all that with the introduction of our ski test web app. This app lets all of our testers enter their data directly into our cloud-based system with their mobile phones, without any of the risks listed above.

Here’s how it works:

A ski tester signs up in the web app and logs in. This allows us to track exactly who is testing what, how they’re rating skis, whether they’re slacking, etc.

The main screen has a lot of useful information: The tester is told how many reviews they’ve done, what they’ve reviewed (so they don’t double up) and what score they gave the ski, to compare against other skis later. They are also provided with a list of skis being tested on the current day and are able to see which models are in need of more testing, in real time. This ensures an even distribution of testers on each ski, and allows our staff to pull skis off the rack once they’ve been thoroughly tested. Lastly, the testers are shown the top 5 current testers to give a barometer for how slow or fast they are testing skis.

To add a review, a tester simply chooses the brand of ski they are on, which model and which length. They then rate the ski in each of the following categories: Versatility, Carving, Playfulness, Stability, Float/Powder. They also give the ski a score for overall stoke.

Lastly, a tester types a short review of what they liked and didn’t like about the ski, hits “Save,” puts their phone in their pocket and skis away knowing their review is logged safely and securely in the cloud.

By the time #FreeskierFest wraps up on Friday, we’ll have logged over 3,000 test forms from more than 50 testers. Then, our app system will use proprietary algorithms to look for data discrepancies (duplicates, blank reviews, etc.) and by Saturday, we’ll have our results ready for the 2014 Buyer’s Guide.

The #FreeskierFest ski test mobile app is faster for our testers than writing paper reviews, the data is saved in a secured cloud environment, we can manage the test in real time, and the results are compiled for us automatically. It’s is just one way we’re using technology to give you better intel to make your buying decision easier next year.

]]>http://freeskier.com/stories/behind-the-test-how-we-use-technology-to-simplify-ski-testing/feed9Watch the new Wednesdays with Wallisch (Ep. 3.4)http://freeskier.com/videos/watch-the-new-wednesdays-with-wallisch-ep-3-4
http://freeskier.com/videos/watch-the-new-wednesdays-with-wallisch-ep-3-4#commentsWed, 06 Mar 2013 22:30:39 +0000http://freeskier.com/?p=24951From Ride on Scott on Vimeo: In this latest episode, Tom travels to New York City for an appearance on The Today Show to discuss the upcoming Olympics and put on a rail demo in the middle of Time Square. Then it’s back to Park City to get the knee back in shape before a […]

In this latest episode, Tom travels to New York City for an appearance on The Today Show to discuss the upcoming Olympics and put on a rail demo in the middle of Time Square. Then it’s back to Park City to get the knee back in shape before a busy competition schedule on his SCOTT Jib TW signature skis.

Although there were numerous amazing entries (and we thank you for entertaining our packed conference room), it was Alex Bruss’s collision with a hidden creek bed at Big Sky that earned him the $1,000 cash reward. Congratulations, Alex.

]]>http://freeskier.com/the-wire/alex-bruss-wins-1000-for-gopro-moment-of-fame-entry/feed1Here are the best ski resort Harlem Shake videos, now that it’s overhttp://freeskier.com/the-wire/here-are-the-best-ski-resort-harlem-shake-videos-now-that-its-over
http://freeskier.com/the-wire/here-are-the-best-ski-resort-harlem-shake-videos-now-that-its-over#commentsWed, 20 Feb 2013 16:59:20 +0000http://freeskier.com/?p=24734Phew, we can all let out a big sigh of relief that the best-turned-most-overplayed meme in history, the Harlem Shake, is now officially over, thanks to this puppy version. Many ski resorts got in on the action over the last week, with Copper releasing a solid version in quick order, and just about everyone else […]

1. Copper Mountain Edition

Copper wins for being first. And for ski patroller punching inflatable Bugs Bunny in the face.

2. Aspen/Snowmass Edition

Aspen takes second for spraying around hundreds of dollars worth of delicious champagne.

3. Whistler Blackcomb Edition

Whistler put in the effort to take two whole Peak 2 Peak rides during filming, unlike some other gondola/tram Shake videos we’ve seen where the lift was stopped. Third place for effort and for jumping around 1,400-feet above the ground.

Honorable Mention: Ski Sundown Edition

This isn’t the best Harlem Shake out there, but they did do it with a bit of a twist, and the level of audience participation is impressive.

]]>http://freeskier.com/the-wire/here-are-the-best-ski-resort-harlem-shake-videos-now-that-its-over/feed0Watch round 1 run ski videos from the 2013 Swatch Skiers Cup slopestylehttp://freeskier.com/stories/watch-round-1-2013-swatch-skiers-cup-slopestyle
http://freeskier.com/stories/watch-round-1-2013-swatch-skiers-cup-slopestyle#commentsThu, 14 Feb 2013 21:57:44 +0000http://freeskier.com/?p=24607The 2013 Swatch Skiers Cup wrapped up today with Europe taking the win 21-11. We’ve compiled all of the ski videos from round one here. Round two videos will be posted once they’re made available. Be sure to continue on to page four the second four matchups. Rory Bushfield versus Kaj Zachkrisson Winner:Rory Bushfield KC […]

]]>The 2013 Swatch Skiers Cup wrapped up today with Europe taking the win 21-11. We’ve compiled all of the ski videos from round one here. Round two videos will be posted once they’re made available. Be sure to continue on to page four the second four matchups.

Rory Bushfield versus Kaj Zachkrisson

Winner:Rory Bushfield

KC Deane versus Markus Eder

Winner: Markus Eder

Greg Lindsey versus Paddy Graham

Winner: Paddy Graham

Logan Imlach versus Sam Favret

]]>http://freeskier.com/stories/watch-round-1-2013-swatch-skiers-cup-slopestyle/feed2Here’s what Sochi and the Olympic venue look like right nowhttp://freeskier.com/videos/heres-what-sochi-and-the-olympic-venue-look-like-right-now
http://freeskier.com/videos/heres-what-sochi-and-the-olympic-venue-look-like-right-now#commentsThu, 14 Feb 2013 18:06:14 +0000http://freeskier.com/?p=24599Atomic is on scene in Sochi for this weekend’s Olympic Test Event and have just released this video showing how it looks. It’s not your usual winter landscape like we’re used to seeing at Olympic hosts like Vancouver, Whistler, or Salt Lake City. But Russia is bringing its own vibe to the Games, and it […]

]]>Atomic is on scene in Sochi for this weekend’s Olympic Test Event and have just released this video showing how it looks.

It’s not your usual winter landscape like we’re used to seeing at Olympic hosts like Vancouver, Whistler, or Salt Lake City. But Russia is bringing its own vibe to the Games, and it seems from the athlete perspective, it’s a welcome one.

In a few days time, Rosa Khutor, the host mountain for all alpine events of the 2014 Sochi Olympics will bear witness to its first ever freeskiing halfpipe competition, the FIS World Cup. Far from being prepared, Sochi and the surrounding area is a 24 hour construction zone. Check out this bizarre place and catch the first couple runs of pipe practice with Beau-James Wells, Jossi Wells, Byron Wells, Mike Riddle and Gus Kenworthy.

]]>http://freeskier.com/videos/heres-what-sochi-and-the-olympic-venue-look-like-right-now/feed1What is Rule 40 and how will it affect skiers in 2014?http://freeskier.com/stories/what-is-rule-40-and-how-will-it-affect-skiers-in-2014
http://freeskier.com/stories/what-is-rule-40-and-how-will-it-affect-skiers-in-2014#commentsWed, 13 Feb 2013 23:42:37 +0000http://freeskier.com/?p=24579Rule 40 and the IOC's Social Media Guidelines have big implications for skiers and their sponsors. Here's what you need to know.

]]>Rule 40 first gained national prominence during the 2012 Summer Games in London when a band of track and field athletes spoke out about the rule on Twitter. Since skiers generally make the majority of their income from sponsors, this rule is primed to hit home in our sport. Here’s what you need to know about it.

What is Rule 40?

“Except as permitted by the IOC Executive Board, no competitor, coach, trainer or official who participates in the Olympic Games may allow his person, name, picture or sports performances to be used for advertising purposes during the Olympic Games,” states the London 2012 official guidelines.

Rule 40 was originally put in place when the Olympics were meant for amateur athletes only. Of course, this hasn’t been the case for some time (professionals started participating in the 1970s), so now the stated reason for requiring Rule 40 is to “protect against ambush marketing; prevent unauthorized commercialization of the Games; and to protect the integrity of athletes’ performances of the Games.”

But, as The New York Times reports, the rule primarily “aims to prevent ambush marketing diluting the message of companies like Coca-Cola, McDonald’s and Visa, which spend heavily to be exclusive partners of the Olympics.”

While Rule 40 dictates that brands cannot use Olympic athletes in their marketing, the IOC Social Media Guidelines go further and dictate that athletes can’t mention brands, either: “Participants and other accredited persons are not permitted to promote any brand, product or service within a posting, blog or tweet or otherwise on any social media platforms or on any websites.”

During the London 2012 Games, Rule 40 was in effect from July 18 until three days after the Closing Ceremony on August 15.

How will Rule 40 and Social Media Guidelines affect skiers going into Sochi 2014?

Most skiers earn the bulk of their paycheck from sponsors. Sponsors enable the skiers to train year-round, travel to events and receive the support required to compete at an elite level. Once the official Rule 40 timeframe goes into place, the only mention a company can make of their athlete is to list them as a team member on their website, so long as it’s not on the homepage. A skier won’t be able to mention or promote their sponsors in any way, unless their sponsor happens to be an official partner of the Olympics.

The penalties for breach of Rule 40 are serious, and can result in financial penalties, removal of accreditation, or disqualification from the Games completely.

When is the Rule 40 timeframe for Sochi 2014?

The IOC hasn’t released the Rule 40 timeframe yet for Sochi 2014, and details about whether there will be changes to the rule for 2014 are still unclear. Patrick Sandusky, USOC Head of Communications, recently told Forbes.com, “We have been actively talking to the Athletes’ Advisory Council and working with the IOC over the long-term to see what can be done to make that a better relationship.”

What do you think about Rule 40 and the Social Media Guidelines? Let us know in the comments.

]]>http://freeskier.com/stories/what-is-rule-40-and-how-will-it-affect-skiers-in-2014/feed0Kate Upton is back in Skullcandy’s Take a Supermodel to Work Dayhttp://freeskier.com/the-wire/kate-upton-is-back-in-skullcandys-bring-a-supermodel-to-work-day
http://freeskier.com/the-wire/kate-upton-is-back-in-skullcandys-bring-a-supermodel-to-work-day#commentsWed, 13 Feb 2013 19:55:57 +0000http://freeskier.com/?p=24576Kate Upton, known for her beautiful eyes, gets to work in the music studio with Big Boi and NFL wide receiver Stevie Johnson on Skullcandy’s second installment of Take a Supermodel to Work Day. No more words needed, here’s Kate:

]]>http://freeskier.com/the-wire/kate-upton-is-back-in-skullcandys-bring-a-supermodel-to-work-day/feed0This is the most ridiculous ski ‘edit’ you will watch todayhttp://freeskier.com/the-wire/this-is-the-most-ridiculous-ski-edit-you-will-watch-today
http://freeskier.com/the-wire/this-is-the-most-ridiculous-ski-edit-you-will-watch-today#commentsTue, 12 Feb 2013 18:00:28 +0000http://freeskier.com/?p=24531I feel bad promoting this video. It’s obviously made by some Devin Graham wannabe who said, “Hey mediocre skiers, do some stunts off this jump, I don’t care if you land! There’s fire!” But once you hit play, it’s hard to stop watching. Trees on fire, sketchy skiers eating it and fat dudes on flying […]

]]>I feel bad promoting this video. It’s obviously made by some Devin Graham wannabe who said, “Hey mediocre skiers, do some stunts off this jump, I don’t care if you land! There’s fire!” But once you hit play, it’s hard to stop watching. Trees on fire, sketchy skiers eating it and fat dudes on flying saucers smoking cigars jumping over said trees on fire. All shot with a quad copter and set to excruciatingly happy music. With apologies…

]]>http://freeskier.com/the-wire/this-is-the-most-ridiculous-ski-edit-you-will-watch-today/feed0Cody Townsend explains the magic of skiing spines in Chasing Powder, Ep. 2http://freeskier.com/videos/cody-townsend-explains-the-magic-of-skiing-spines-in-chasing-powder-ep-2
http://freeskier.com/videos/cody-townsend-explains-the-magic-of-skiing-spines-in-chasing-powder-ep-2#commentsMon, 11 Feb 2013 21:24:31 +0000http://freeskier.com/?p=24527Chasing Powder is a Swatch web series that follows athletes Cody Townsend and Richard Permin around the world. In episode 2, Cody Townsend shreds some of the most famous spines in the world, including lines through Alaska’s Spine Cell zone, and explains his spine addiction.

]]>Chasing Powder is a Swatch web series that follows athletes Cody Townsend and Richard Permin around the world. In episode 2, Cody Townsend shreds some of the most famous spines in the world, including lines through Alaska’s Spine Cell zone, and explains his spine addiction.

]]>http://freeskier.com/stories/level-1-productions-sunny-soundtrack-2012/feed0Watch video of the best skis, boots, goggles and gear from SIA 2013http://freeskier.com/the-wire/watch-video-of-the-best-skis-boots-goggles-and-gear-from-sia-2013
http://freeskier.com/the-wire/watch-video-of-the-best-skis-boots-goggles-and-gear-from-sia-2013#commentsMon, 04 Feb 2013 23:46:21 +0000http://freeskier.com/?p=24349We just spent the better part of a week hopping booth to booth at the 2013 SIA tradeshow in Denver, CO, in search of the best new ski gear. Turns out, we found a lot of them. So here for your viewing pleasure are all the videos we cranked out this weekend. For more, check […]

Having fun with the Swany g.cell glove, 2013 SIA Snow ShowTalk to the hand, with Swany’s g.cell glove. What looks to be a standard winter glove is actually a cool gadget; the g.cell features Bluetooth-integration, allowing the glove to pair with your cellular device, and the glove doubles as a phone. The glove vibrates in the thumb, and also the wrist area to notify you of an incoming call. The speaker and the microphone are located on the glove’s thumb, and sound quality is comparable to putting your phone on speaker mode. Pressing one of two buttons on the glove answers and ends the call. The g.cell can also activate voice controls. Just think: you’ll never have to take off your glove on the chairliftâ€”and suffer frozen fingersâ€”to take that important call.

2013 SIA Snow Show Day 1: Speaking with pros, checking out 2013/14 ski gearThe snowsports industry descended upon Denver on Thursday, for the first day of the 2013 SIA Snow Showâ€”one of the most highly anticipated annual events for folks in the skiing industry. All of our favorite brands are on hand this weekend to show off what’s new for 2014 and we’ve only just scratched the surface. On day one we checked in with Oakley, Dakine, Scott and Saga to name a few. This weekend will see many industry gatherings aside from the tradeshow itself. One such gathering will take place Friday night when Freeskier will host a fundraiser to benefit the Sarah Burke Foundation. If you’re in the Denver area, join us from 5pm-9pm at 3342 Larimer St. where you can bid on full sized, framed Lightjet prints while enjoying complimentary food and drinks. In the meantime, check out the gallery above showcasing some of the goods we found Thursday, and stay tuned over the next few days because we’re just warming up.

]]>http://freeskier.com/the-wire/watch-video-of-the-best-skis-boots-goggles-and-gear-from-sia-2013/feed0Aspen reducing residential speed limit to 14mph for some reasonhttp://freeskier.com/the-wire/aspen-reduces-residential-speed-limit-to-14mph-for-some-reason
http://freeskier.com/the-wire/aspen-reduces-residential-speed-limit-to-14mph-for-some-reason#commentsWed, 30 Jan 2013 22:58:25 +0000http://freeskier.com/?p=24306According to a story in the LA Times, Aspen mayer Mick Ireland is proposing speed limits in residential areas be reduced to 14mph to stop drivers from, wait for it, rushing through stop signs. The story goes: Every time traffic slows along the city’s main thoroughfare, cars whiz out of traffic and onto the residential […]

]]>According to a story in the LA Times, Aspen mayer Mick Ireland is proposing speed limits in residential areas be reduced to 14mph to stop drivers from, wait for it, rushing through stop signs.

The story goes:

Every time traffic slows along the city’s main thoroughfare, cars whiz out of traffic and onto the residential streets, rushing through a series of stop signs to keep making time.

“It’s crazy,” Ireland told the Los Angeles Times. “Drivers don’t really save any time because of all the stop signs, but they all tell me that they just feel better if they keep moving, rather than being stuck in traffic.”

To help quell this nightmare, Ireland has proposed the 14mph speed limit in residential areas that, according to the times, will “get your attention” like a “black-diamond ski slope.”

“Nobody’s going to go crazy here,” [Ireland] said. “We’re not going to be handing out tickets for going three miles over a 14-mph speed limit. I ride my bike in that area and even I can go faster than 14 miles an hour.”

tl;dr: Aspen’s mayor is bummed that people are rushing through stop signs so he wants to reduce the speed limit to an odd number that people will notice with no expectation of anyone adhering to or enforcing the new law.

]]>http://freeskier.com/the-wire/aspen-reduces-residential-speed-limit-to-14mph-for-some-reason/feed0Tom Wallisch is the most talked about skier on Facebook after X Gameshttp://freeskier.com/the-wire/tom-wallisch-is-the-most-talked-about-skier-on-facebook-right-now
http://freeskier.com/the-wire/tom-wallisch-is-the-most-talked-about-skier-on-facebook-right-now#commentsMon, 28 Jan 2013 17:34:28 +0000http://freeskier.com/?p=24249The X Games are, sadly, over. Undoubtedly, the biggest winner this weekend (after Shaun White and America’s Global Force for Good) was Henrik Harlaut, taking gold in a historic big air, and silver in slopestyle the next day. However, it’s Tom Wallisch who’s being talked about more than anyone else on Facebook right now, more […]

]]>http://freeskier.com/the-wire/tom-wallisch-is-the-most-talked-about-skier-on-facebook-right-now/feed0The most talked about Winter X Games skiers on Facebookhttp://freeskier.com/the-wire/the-most-talked-about-winter-x-games-athletes-on-facebook
http://freeskier.com/the-wire/the-most-talked-about-winter-x-games-athletes-on-facebook#commentsWed, 23 Jan 2013 21:38:26 +0000http://freeskier.com/?p=24183With the 2013 Winter X Games going down in Aspen this week, social media is ablaze with chatter about the skiers who are set to throw down. Here are the ten most talked about invited X Games skiers on Facebook: Skier Talking About # Simon Dumont 3,788 Tom Wallisch 3,091 Tanner Hall 2,627 Henrik Harlaut […]

]]>http://freeskier.com/the-wire/the-most-talked-about-winter-x-games-athletes-on-facebook/feed0The professional freestyle scooter scene is blowing up! Jk. No, but seriously.http://freeskier.com/the-wire/the-professional-freestyle-scooter-rider-scene-is-blowing-up-jk-no-but-seriously
http://freeskier.com/the-wire/the-professional-freestyle-scooter-rider-scene-is-blowing-up-jk-no-but-seriously#commentsWed, 23 Jan 2013 18:17:53 +0000http://freeskier.com/?p=24173Maybe I’m too old to “get it,” but it seems the “freestyle scooter” culture is shaping up to become a real sport, and that is really tripping me out. Check out this edit that’s making the rounds today, ripe with epic claims and more spinny flippy things than an aerials competition. What’s next? The rise […]

]]>http://freeskier.com/videos/aspen-releases-sick-2013-winter-x-games-slopestyle-preview/feed2Here’s proof that Suz Graham is gnarly as hellhttp://freeskier.com/the-wire/heres-proof-that-suz-graham-is-gnarly-as-hell
http://freeskier.com/the-wire/heres-proof-that-suz-graham-is-gnarly-as-hell#commentsTue, 22 Jan 2013 19:15:13 +0000http://freeskier.com/?p=24140Suz Graham released a little edit today of her and a small group climbing the Ancient Art desert tower in Moab and then BASE jumping off. Hey, it beats climbing back down, right? Watch it: You can follow Suz on Twitter.

]]>http://freeskier.com/the-wire/the-winter-x-games-17-rail-features-are-sick-says-tom-wallisch/feed0This YoBeat “Skier Mating Ritual” parody video is almost hilarioushttp://freeskier.com/the-wire/this-yobeat-skier-mating-ritual-parody-video-is-almost-hilarious
http://freeskier.com/the-wire/this-yobeat-skier-mating-ritual-parody-video-is-almost-hilarious#commentsMon, 21 Jan 2013 17:30:05 +0000http://freeskier.com/?p=24115The lowbrow snowboarding website YoBeat released today a nature channel parody video outlining the “Skier Mating Ritual” in Real Skifi’s Episode 8. It’s really funny, but if they had hired John Symms to do the voice over (or at least write the script), it would’ve been hilarious. See for yourself:

]]>The lowbrow snowboarding website YoBeat released today a nature channel parody video outlining the “Skier Mating Ritual” in Real Skifi’s Episode 8. It’s really funny, but if they had hired John Symms to do the voice over (or at least write the script), it would’ve been hilarious.

]]>http://freeskier.com/the-wire/this-yobeat-skier-mating-ritual-parody-video-is-almost-hilarious/feed0First look at the 2013 Winter X Games halfpipe at nighthttp://freeskier.com/the-wire/first-look-at-the-2013-winter-x-games-halfpipe
http://freeskier.com/the-wire/first-look-at-the-2013-winter-x-games-halfpipe#commentsMon, 21 Jan 2013 05:00:47 +0000http://freeskier.com/?p=24111Aspen/Snowmass and ESPN lit up the famous superpipe on Buttermilk for the first time tonight. It’s looking as perfect as ever, silently awaiting the best in the world to put on the show. Stay tuned to Freeskier.com for all the behind-the-scenes and up-to-the-minute coverage of the 2013 Winter X Games, this week.

]]>Aspen/Snowmass and ESPN lit up the famous superpipe on Buttermilk for the first time tonight. It’s looking as perfect as ever, silently awaiting the best in the world to put on the show. Stay tuned to Freeskier.com for all the behind-the-scenes and up-to-the-minute coverage of the 2013 Winter X Games, this week.

]]>Last year, Michelle Parker and friends raised funds in Sarah Burke’s memory by selling “Believe in Sarah” and “Remember Sarah” stickers. Now that the Sarah Burke Foundation has officially launched, Michelle has written a check to the organization, to her word. She tweeted the following:

https://twitter.com/MyshellParker/status/289439436381491200

Michelle, Shreddy Times and Sticker Pack deserve serious respect for what they’ve done.

]]>http://freeskier.com/the-wire/michelle-parker-helps-raise-17000-for-sarah-burke-foundation/feed0ESPN releases list of 50 most influential people in action sports, includes 9 skiershttp://freeskier.com/the-wire/espn-releases-list-of-50-most-influential-people-in-action-sports-includes-9-skiers
http://freeskier.com/the-wire/espn-releases-list-of-50-most-influential-people-in-action-sports-includes-9-skiers#commentsWed, 02 Jan 2013 20:44:13 +0000http://freeskier.com/?p=23699ESPN released its list of the 50 most influential people in action sports today and included on it 9 skiers and ski industry personnel. Overall, the list seems on-point to us, though we would have tried to get Tanner Hall and a couple filmmakers on the list. (And Tom Wallisch won Level 1‘s Superunknown contest, […]

Overall, the list seems on-point to us, though we would have tried to get Tanner Hall and a couple filmmakers on the list. (And Tom Wallisch won Level 1‘s Superunknown contest, not Freeskier’s as indicated on Tom’s slide.) Here are the ski all-stars who made it:

]]>http://freeskier.com/the-wire/espn-releases-list-of-50-most-influential-people-in-action-sports-includes-9-skiers/feed0Freeskier.com’s top 10 most read stories of 2012http://freeskier.com/the-wire/freeskier-top-10-stories-2012
http://freeskier.com/the-wire/freeskier-top-10-stories-2012#commentsTue, 01 Jan 2013 03:21:43 +0000http://freeskier.com/?p=23511Here’s a roundup of the most visited stories and videos on Freeskier.com during 2012. 1. Celebrate Sarah Burke, 1982 – 2012 On January 19, Sarah Burke passed away, leaving holes in the hearts of thousands of skiers worldwide. It was the biggest story on Freeskier.com ever; a sign of the magnitude of Sarah’s impact on […]

]]>Here’s a roundup of the most visited stories and videos on Freeskier.com during 2012.

1.Celebrate Sarah Burke, 1982 – 2012
On January 19, Sarah Burke passed away, leaving holes in the hearts of thousands of skiers worldwide. It was the biggest story on Freeskier.com ever; a sign of the magnitude of Sarah’s impact on skiing and life.

3.Profile: Speaking with Tanner Hall about his road to redemption
Tanner Hall’s on- and off-hill antics have drawn readers since nearly the inception of Freeskier. This year’s profile by Christopher Jerard was especially fascinating as Tanner opened up about the biggest challenges he’s faced, and his road to redemption.

10.S.K.A.T.E. on Snow: Tom Wallisch battles Sean Jordan
Tom and Stept both made it into the top 10 twice this year, mainly due to their abilities to kick ass on the regular. Stept’s S.K.A.T.E. on Snow is an amazing video series, and this is one of the best matchups.

]]>http://freeskier.com/the-wire/all-the-2012-winter-dew-tour-breckenridge-freeski-results/feed0Dew Tour Freeski Big Air Finals: As Seen on Twitterhttp://freeskier.com/the-wire/dew-tour-big-air-finals-as-seen-on-twitter
http://freeskier.com/the-wire/dew-tour-big-air-finals-as-seen-on-twitter#commentsFri, 14 Dec 2012 01:40:19 +0000http://freeskier.com/?p=23452Twitter was ablaze for 40 minutes tonight with chatter about the big air insanity that just went down at the Dew Tour in Breckenridge. Here is the big air, as seen through the eyes of those tweeting: https://twitter.com/kim_lamarre/status/279389399869960192 https://twitter.com/mauderaymond/status/279389862623330304 https://twitter.com/afpworldtour/status/279389888154054656 https://twitter.com/westerjacob/status/279390674401513472 https://twitter.com/mauderaymond/status/279390956128710656 https://twitter.com/westerjacob/status/279391085460070401 https://twitter.com/maryoski/status/279391815977816065 https://twitter.com/mrdavidwise/status/279392432456622080 https://twitter.com/afpworldtour/status/279394145041276928 https://twitter.com/dewtour/status/279394112858370049 https://twitter.com/afpworldtour/status/279394815412686849 https://twitter.com/afpworldtour/status/279395174545768448 https://twitter.com/keriherman/status/279395480742526976 https://twitter.com/dewtour/status/279395463759806464 https://twitter.com/tjschiller/status/279395444432441344 https://twitter.com/afpworldtour/status/279395732790857728 https://twitter.com/torinwallace/status/279395976207290368 https://twitter.com/dewtour/status/279396128355676160 […]

]]>http://freeskier.com/the-wire/dew-tour-big-air-finals-as-seen-on-twitter/feed0Roner Vision: Nitro Circus is live in Londonhttp://freeskier.com/videos/roner-vision-nitro-circus-is-live-in-london
http://freeskier.com/videos/roner-vision-nitro-circus-is-live-in-london#commentsThu, 13 Dec 2012 18:55:29 +0000http://freeskier.com/?p=23443From NetworkA on YouTube: Erik Roner heads to London to catch up with the Nitro Circus Live crew on this week’s Roner Vision! Mixing it up from the usual ski routine, Erik gets in on everyone else’s action borrowing Lindsay Pastrana’s skateboard to session the Giganta Ramp, pulling a double backflip on James Foster’s BMX […]

Erik Roner heads to London to catch up with the Nitro Circus Live crew on this week’s Roner Vision! Mixing it up from the usual ski routine, Erik gets in on everyone else’s action borrowing Lindsay Pastrana’s skateboard to session the Giganta Ramp, pulling a double backflip on James Foster’s BMX bike, razor scooter front flips…turns out Roner is a real jack of all stunts. His closest call with death comes as a spectator, check the BMX impact he takes on the sidelines! Meanwhile back in Tahoe little Oskar Roner has been watching too many YouTube videos and takes Parkour to new levels at the playground! No Oskar!

]]>A Wired.com writer recently made a somewhat heated case for needing a Surfline.com-type service in the ski world. When I read his story, my initial reaction was, “Good idea, but your supporting arguments are flawed,” and I hoped to write a response as to why. (For example, the writer ignores that Surfline’s primary service is forecasting, not real-time crowd-sourced reporting.)

But then I scrolled down to the comments to see that our good buddy Joel Gratz beat me to it. Joel is the creator of the wonderful OpenSnow.com and his top-rated response is worth a gander:

]]>http://freeskier.com/the-wire/wired-makes-case-for-surfline-style-ski-service-joel-gratz-lays-smackdown/feed4Dew Tour practice underway amidst new snowfall at Breckenridge, COhttp://freeskier.com/the-wire/dew-tour-practice-underway-amidst-new-snowfall-at-breckenridge-co
http://freeskier.com/the-wire/dew-tour-practice-underway-amidst-new-snowfall-at-breckenridge-co#commentsMon, 10 Dec 2012 17:10:47 +0000http://freeskier.com/?p=23349The first platinum-level event of the 2012/13 contest season will go down this coming weekend at Breckenridge. The Dew Tour will host men’s big air, slopestyle and halfpipe, and women’s slopestyle and big air. Practice officially started this morning amidst the trailing edges of a welcome winter storm that blasted through Colorado last weekend. @GusKenworthy […]

]]>The first platinum-level event of the 2012/13 contest season will go down this coming weekend at Breckenridge. The Dew Tour will host men’s big air, slopestyle and halfpipe, and women’s slopestyle and big air.

Practice officially started this morning amidst the trailing edges of a welcome winter storm that blasted through Colorado last weekend.

]]>http://freeskier.com/the-wire/dew-tour-practice-underway-amidst-new-snowfall-at-breckenridge-co/feed1The Ai Riders on the Storm jacket is the next big thing in skiinghttp://freeskier.com/the-wire/the-ai-riders-on-the-storm-jacket-is-the-next-big-thing-in-skiing
http://freeskier.com/the-wire/the-ai-riders-on-the-storm-jacket-is-the-next-big-thing-in-skiing#commentsFri, 07 Dec 2012 21:30:30 +0000http://freeskier.com/?p=23315This Ai Riders on the Storm jacket by Giovanni Chicco is the next big thing in skiing*, no doubt. Its function speaks for itself. Its style, next level. And it can be yours now, for just $296 (30% off retail). But hurry, there’s only one left! *Probably not actually the next big thing in skiing.

]]>This Ai Riders on the Storm jacket by Giovanni Chicco is the next big thing in skiing*, no doubt. Its function speaks for itself. Its style, next level. And it can be yours now, for just $296 (30% off retail). But hurry, there’s only one left!

]]>http://freeskier.com/the-wire/the-ai-riders-on-the-storm-jacket-is-the-next-big-thing-in-skiing/feed12012 Skier of the Year: Final round voting now openhttp://freeskier.com/stories/2012-skier-of-the-year-vote-in-the-final-round
http://freeskier.com/stories/2012-skier-of-the-year-vote-in-the-final-round#commentsTue, 20 Nov 2012 17:50:07 +0000http://freeskier.com/?p=22999The polls opened on November 1, with 16 skiers pitted against each other in a head-to-head style format. In the weeks that followed, thousands upon thousands of people cast their vote. We are now down to the final two men and two women. This round’s winners were all pretty clear, setting us up for what’s […]

]]>The polls opened on November 1, with 16 skiers pitted against each other in a head-to-head style format. In the weeks that followed, thousands upon thousands of people cast their vote. We are now down to the final two men and two women.

This round’s winners were all pretty clear, setting us up for what’s sure to be an intense final matchup, with three of our four finalists prior SOTY winners. Good luck to Henrik, Tom, Kaya and Ingrid.

]]>http://freeskier.com/stories/2012-skier-of-the-year-vote-in-the-final-round/feed1Win a VIP winter vacation to Mammoth Lakeshttp://freeskier.com/stories/win-a-vip-winter-vacation-to-mammoth-lakes
http://freeskier.com/stories/win-a-vip-winter-vacation-to-mammoth-lakes#commentsSat, 17 Nov 2012 16:00:35 +0000http://freeskier.com/?p=22874Looking to get away and shred some amazing terrain this winter? How about doing it all for free with your best friend? Well, you’re in luck. We teamed up with Mammoth Lakes to hook you up with a week long ski-cation at Mammoth Mountain along with airfare, lift tickets, access to snowmobiles and a snowcat […]

Looking to get away and shred some amazing terrain this winter? How about doing it all for free with your best friend? Well, you’re in luck. We teamed up with Mammoth Lakes to hook you up with a week long ski-cation at Mammoth Mountain along with airfare, lift tickets, access to snowmobiles and a snowcat and a ton more. Check out what’s included below, along with the rules and restrictions.

Remember, you can enter as many times as you want before the December 31, 2012 deadline. Entering multiple times will increase your chances of winning. So get after it and keep your fingers crossed, rub your lucky rabbit’s foot—whatever. Good luck.

VIP TRIP INCLUDES:
5-night stay at the Mammoth Mountain Inn for 2 people
Airfare for 2 on United Airlines
4 days of lift tickets for 2
A snowmobile and snowcat tour for a day
Slopeside ski/snowboard demo rentals for 2
$500 visa gift card
Custom ski build for two from Community Skis

Congratulations to M. Telesmanic of Fresno, CA on winning the giveaway. Thanks to all who entered. Stay tuned for more giveaways throughout the season.

Thanks for entering! You may enter as many times as you would like.

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Enter E-Mail Address Here:

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By entering the contest you opt-in to receive our weekly newsletter. You may unsubscribe at any time by using the unsubscribe button at the bottom of the email. Using a script to enter is strictly forbidden. All entries associated with a script will be disqualified. You must use this form to be eligible for the sweepstakes.

*Blackout dates on the prize package include 12-22-12 through 1-6-13, 1-18-13 through 1-21-13 and 2-15-13 through 2-17-13.

Official Rules

HOW TO ENTER

NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.

The Contest is sponsored by Storm Mountain Publishing (‘Sponsors’) and Visit Mammoth. The geographic scope of this promotion is the Lower 48 United States. Contest is subject to all federal, state and local laws. Void where prohibited by law. By entering, entrants agree to these Official Rules. Limit one (1) prize per person. Contest begins on November 15, 2012 and ends on December 31, 2012 (“Promotion Period”). Final entry deadline is December 31, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. MT. Administrator’s computer is the official time-keeping device of this Contest. To enter, submit your email information using the form provided at http://www.snowboardmag.com. Only entries submitted following the directions will be considered as online entries. By providing your email address you agree to opt-in and allow Mammoth Lakes Tourism and their partners in this contest (Mammoth Mountain) to contact you with future promotions and information via email.

ELIGIBILITY

Contest open to legal residents of the lower 48 United States and Washington D.C., except employees (and their families) of Storm Mountain Publishing, Visit Mammoth, their parents, subsidiaries, operating divisions, and affiliates. Void where prohibited by law. You must be 18 years of age or older at the start of the contest period on November 15, 2012 in order to enter this contest.

PRIZE AND SELECTION OF WINNERS

One winner will be selected at random from all valid entries to receive the following prize (approximate value: $5,000) 2 airline tickets on United Airlines from any major international airport within the lower 48 United States.

5-night stay at the Mammoth Mountain Inn for 2 people
4 days of lift tickets for 2 at Mammoth Mountain
A snowmobile and snowcat tour for a (1) day
Slopeside ski/snowboard demo rentals for 2
$500 visa gift card

All details of all prizes shall be at Administrator’s sole discretion. Winner assumes sole responsibility for all costs associated with the prizes not explicitly outlined above. All federal, state and local taxes (if any) are the sole responsibility of the Winner. No portion of the prize is redeemable for cash. Prize may not be sold or bartered. Prizes may not be transferred or substituted except that Administrator in its discretion may substitute a prize, or portion thereof, with a prize or portion of equal or greater value if it deems necessary. Any such changes will be announced. Storm Mountain Publishing and its affiliates are not responsible for technical failures in entry transmission, or lost, late, misdirected, damaged, incomplete, illegible, or postage-due mail, or any damage to participants’ computers relating to information about or participation in the promotion. Storm Mountain Publishing reserves the right to cancel electronic method of entry if it becomes technically corrupted. Administrator will contact potential Winner in accordance with the information supplied to Administrator on the Winner’s Entry. Winner will be asked to provide Administrator with valid identification and execute an affidavit of eligibility and, where legal, a publicity release, and return these documents within seven (7) days of notification. Acceptable identification includes a valid driver’s license or other valid picture ID showing name and address. Faxes will not be accepted. The Winner may also be required to sign other legal documents, including tax forms and a release supplied by Administrator which, among other disclaimers, releases the Contest Entities and a range of subsidiaries, directors, agents, agencies, affiliates, franchisees, promoters, officers, directors, employees and related persons from any and all liability related to this Contest and the receipt and use of the prize. Upon verification of eligibility, the name of winner may be posted on Storm Mountain Publishing and the Contest Entities’ websites, including but not limited to the following sites: freeskier.com, snowboardmag.com, faceebook.com/freeskier, facebook.com/snowboardmag, visitmammoth.com, mammothmountain.com, facebook.com/visitmammoth, facebook.com/MammothMTN

NOTICE TO ONLINE ENTRANTS

In the event of a dispute over the identity of an online entrant, entry will be deemed submitted by the “Authorized Account Holder” of the email address submitted at time of entry. Authorized Account Holder means the natural person who is assigned to an email address by and Internet access provider, online service provider, or other organization that is responsible for assigning email addresses for the domain associated with the submitted email address. Entry materials/data that have been tampered with or altered, or mass entries or entries generate by a script, macro or use of automated devices are void. The Sponsor is not responsible for: (i) lost, late, misdirected, damaged, illegible or postage due mail/entries; or (ii) error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operations or transmission, theft or destruction or unauthorized access to or alterations of entry materials, or for technical, network, telephone equipment, electronic, computer, hardware or software malfunctions of any kind, or inaccurate transmission of or failure to receive entry information by Sponsor on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any web site or any combination thereof; or (iii) any injury or damage to entrant’s or any other person’s computer related to or resulting from participating in the contest. By participating in the contest, you (i) agree to be bound by these official rules, including all eligibility requirements, and (ii) agree to be bound by the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding in all matters relating to the contest. Failure to comply with these official rules may result in disqualification from the contest. Sponsor reserves the right to: (i) permanently disqualify from the contest any person it believed has intentionally violated these official rules; and (ii) withdraw the online method of entry if it becomes technically corrupted, (including if a computer virus or system malfunction inalterably impairs its ability to conduct the contest), and to select winner from among all eligible entries received prior to withdrawal. LEGAL WARNING: ANY ATTEMPT BY AN INDIVIDUAL, WHETHER OR NOT AN ENTRANT, TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE, DESTROY, TAMPER OR VANDALIZE THIS WEB SITE OR INTERFERE WITH THE OPERATION OF THE CONTEST, IS A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS AND SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES AND DILIGENTLY PURSUE ALL REMEDIES AGAINST ANY SUCH INDIVIDUAL TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

Storm Mountain Publishing and Visit Mammoth may contact entrants with product offers they believe may be of interest to entrants. By entering the contest, entrant holds harmless Storm Mountain Publishing and Visit Mammoth, and their parents, subsidiaries, operation divisions, and affiliates from any liability whatsoever for any claims, costs, injuries, losses, liability, actions, or damages of any kind or in connection with: (1) entering contest (2) acceptance of any prize or (3) anything related to the contest and the awarding of prizes. Any claims relating to this contest shall be governed by California law without regard to its conflict of law, rules, and any such claim must be heard in California. No telephone calls, please. Official contest sponsors: Visit Mammoth, PO Box 48, Mammoth Lakes, CA, 93546; and Storm Mountain Publishing, 137 2nd Ave., PO Box 789, Niwot, CO 80544.

]]>http://freeskier.com/stories/win-a-vip-winter-vacation-to-mammoth-lakes/feed1Win $500 in I/O Merino premium wool clothinghttp://freeskier.com/stories/win-500-in-io-merino-premium-wool-clothing
http://freeskier.com/stories/win-500-in-io-merino-premium-wool-clothing#commentsSat, 17 Nov 2012 00:28:43 +0000http://freeskier.com/?p=22878I/O Merino, maker of quality wool products, is hooking up one lucky winner with $500 of spending money, good for any of its popular baselayers and apparel. Not familiar with I/O Merino? The Australia-based brand ensures its garments are made from the highest quality wool on the market. How do they do that? They oversee […]

I/O Merino, maker of quality wool products, is hooking up one lucky winner with $500 of spending money, good for any of its popular baselayers and apparel.

Not familiar with I/O Merino? The Australia-based brand ensures its garments are made from the highest quality wool on the market. How do they do that? They oversee the whole process from the sheep’s back to yours. As both a supplier and producer in the industry, the company spins their own yarn and they know good wool when they see it.

Perhaps our favorite aspect of Merino wool? You can rock it all day long on the hill, and it hardly smells when it’s time to bust off your outerlayers and get the après party started. You can read more about the benefits of Merino at io-merino.com/about/benefits.

Tech-talk aside, you’re here for a shot at winning some merch. You know the drill: Enter your email address below for a chance to win and repeat as many times as you’d like. Entries will be accepted for one week (until Friday, November 23 at 11:59 p.m. MT) and the more times you enter the better your odds. Once the contest is over, we’ll announce the winner right here on this page.

Thanks for entering! You may enter as many times as you would like.

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echo ‘

Enter Here:

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By entering the contest you opt-in to receive our weekly newsletter and emails from I/O Merino. You may unsubscribe at any time by using the unsubscribe button at the bottom of the email. Using a script to enter is strictly forbidden. All entries associated with a script will be disqualified. You must use this form to be eligible for the sweepstakes.

]]>http://freeskier.com/stories/win-500-in-io-merino-premium-wool-clothing/feed02012 Skier of the Year Round 2 winners announced, Round 3 voting startshttp://freeskier.com/stories/2012-skier-of-the-year-round-2-winners-announced-round-3-voting-starts
http://freeskier.com/stories/2012-skier-of-the-year-round-2-winners-announced-round-3-voting-starts#commentsWed, 14 Nov 2012 19:29:21 +0000http://freeskier.com/?p=22778The polls opened on November 1, with 16 skiers pitted against each other in a head-to-head style format. In the weeks that followed, thousands upon thousands of people cast their vote. We are now down to just four men and four women. Most of round two’s matchups delivered clear winners, with Michelle Parker versus Ingrid […]

]]>The polls opened on November 1, with 16 skiers pitted against each other in a head-to-head style format. In the weeks that followed, thousands upon thousands of people cast their vote. We are now down to just four men and four women.

Most of round two’s matchups delivered clear winners, with Michelle Parker versus Ingrid Backstrom coming in the closest. In the end, Ingrid received just a couple hundred more votes to take the victory. Round three is sure to be a close one, so get your vote in and tell your friends.

]]>http://freeskier.com/stories/2012-skier-of-the-year-round-2-winners-announced-round-3-voting-starts/feed02012 Skier of the Year Round 1 winners announced, Round 2 voting beginshttp://freeskier.com/stories/announcing-the-round-one-2012-skier-of-the-year-winners
http://freeskier.com/stories/announcing-the-round-one-2012-skier-of-the-year-winners#commentsThu, 08 Nov 2012 18:32:39 +0000http://freeskier.com/?p=22616The polls opened on November 1, with 16 skiers pitted against each other in a head-to-head style format. In the week that followed, thousands upon thousands of people cast their vote. Now, round one of voting has come to a close, and those 16 men have become eight. Though several round one matchups were close, […]

]]>The polls opened on November 1, with 16 skiers pitted against each other in a head-to-head style format. In the week that followed, thousands upon thousands of people cast their vote. Now, round one of voting has come to a close, and those 16 men have become eight.

Though several round one matchups were close, it was Mike Hornbeck versus Candide Thovex that played the role of Florida in this election. The vote went back and forth between these candidates, with the matchup too close to call until all the votes were tallied. In the end, it was the man from France, Candide Thovex, who came out on top, edging out the American Hornbeck by less than two hundred votes.

Want to see how America voted? See below for a graphical breakdown of each state’s pick, along with age demographics. Please note that ages are based solely on what a voter indicated, so there’s no guarantee as to its accuracy.

One of Australia’s biggest ski exports and future Olympic Gold hopeful for Sochi 2014, Russ Henshaw reigned supreme when he landed the first ever skiing triple cork 1440 in the Southern Hemisphere.

Day one saw the original People’s Choice Big Air event kick off in stunning conditions at Thredbo Alpine Village, with world-class freeskiers performing their most impressive, crowd pleasing tricks off the biggest jump in the Southern Hemisphere built by Thredbo’s renowned park builder Charles Beckinsale.

]]>http://freeskier.com/videos/one-hit-wonder-downunder-day-1-highlights/feed0Top 10 Skis: The Best Powder Skis of 2012-2013http://freeskier.com/stories/top-10-skis-the-best-powder-skis-of-2012-2013
http://freeskier.com/stories/top-10-skis-the-best-powder-skis-of-2012-2013#commentsWed, 05 Sep 2012 02:01:37 +0000http://freeskier.com/?p=21279Note: This list is now dated. To see the best powder skis of 2014, follow this link. Pow pow. Freshies. Blower. Champagne. Whatever you want to call it, the fact remains that skiing in powder is one of the most gratifying and enjoyable experiences you can have on skis. Don’t get caught in waist deep […]

]]>Note: This list is now dated. To see the best powder skis of 2014, follow this link.

Pow pow. Freshies. Blower. Champagne. Whatever you want to call it, the fact remains that skiing in powder is one of the most gratifying and enjoyable experiences you can have on skis. Don’t get caught in waist deep snow with the wrong sticks; check out our powder ski Editor’s Picks and find the right boards for you.

Overall Score: 16.75
The original super fat, the A-Lotta ski was the first model offered by the Breckenridge-based Fat-ypus eight years ago. One tester complained the A-Lottas were “too much fun. Read our full review here.

]]>http://freeskier.com/stories/top-10-skis-the-best-powder-skis-of-2012-2013/feed2Top 10 Skis: The best microbrew & independent brand skis of 2012-2013http://freeskier.com/stories/top-10-skis-the-best-microbrew-independent-brand-skis-of-2012-2013
http://freeskier.com/stories/top-10-skis-the-best-microbrew-independent-brand-skis-of-2012-2013#commentsWed, 05 Sep 2012 01:14:45 +0000http://freeskier.com/?p=21253No matter how big a company is today, it started as a micro: a small group of people who share the same passion for ski making. Today more people than ever are picking up tools, building ski presses in garages, and popping out skis. Most impressive is how many of these companies are putting out […]

]]>No matter how big a company is today, it started as a micro: a small group of people who share the same passion for ski making. Today more people than ever are picking up tools, building ski presses in garages, and popping out skis. Most impressive is how many of these companies are putting out quality skis. Here are our favorite indie brand skis of the year, our Editor’s Picks, made by people fueled by the gas fumes in their garage.

]]>http://freeskier.com/stories/top-10-skis-the-best-microbrew-independent-brand-skis-of-2012-2013/feed3Welcome to the brand spanking new Freeskier.comhttp://freeskier.com/stories/welcome-to-the-all-new-freeskier-com
http://freeskier.com/stories/welcome-to-the-all-new-freeskier-com#commentsTue, 04 Sep 2012 21:55:27 +0000http://freeskier.com/?p=21319As ski media, our primary job is to provide you with the best content related to the sport we live for. And while producing and curating the best content in the world is always our number one priority, delivering it to you in the most effective way comes a close second. Along with our mission […]

]]>As ski media, our primary job is to provide you with the best content related to the sport we live for. And while producing and curating the best content in the world is always our number one priority, delivering it to you in the most effective way comes a close second.

Along with our mission to create the most beautiful and well-informed print magazine in skiing, striving to stay ahead of the digital world and staying connected with our reader is a point of pride for us at Freeskier. That’s why we were the first ski magazine on Facebook. The first on Twitter. The first on YouTube. The first on Instagram. The first to leave tips on Foursquare. The first (and only) to release an app dedicated to daily updates instead of just delivering our print mag to your iPad once a month (though we do that, too). And now, we are proud to present our brand-spanking-new website.

At first glance, the new Freeskier.com just looks like another pretty face. (As with basically every website these days, it has a sticky nav with a small logo, for instance.) But upon further investigation, you’ll notice many new features. For one, almost all the content in what most consider “above the fold” is curated by you, the visitor, behind the scenes. This may seem inconsequential, but it’s a fundamental change in how we are showing you content: Popular posts flourish and unpopular posts vanish without a trace. In other words, we give you the content, you decide if it’s worthy.

Plus, we’ve made our video player huge, we’ve made it so you can scroll forever through posts, we’ve added an entirely new snow reporting and weather section, we’ve made the site load roughly five times faster, and, we have many more features we’re rolling out over the next couple months.

Will the new Freeskier.com affect the way you think about skiing? No, the content will do that. Is the new Freeskier.com revolutionary? No, we’ll leave that to Gawker and The Verge. What the new Freeskier.com will do is allow you to access the content we’ve created faster, easier and in a cleaner and more useful way than ever before. We hope it helps you discover something new in skiing every day.

Have thoughts on the new site? We’d love to hear them in the comments below.

The Freeskier Buyer’s Guide is the standard by which all other ski gear buyer’s guides are judged. We review over 500 products, including skis, boots, bindings, clothing, helmets, electronics, eyewear and all the accessories.

]]>http://freeskier.com/mag-issue/freeskier-magazine-v14-october-2011-issue/feed0Vote now for the Superunknown IX Best Trickhttp://freeskier.com/stories/vote-now-superunknown-ix-best-trick
http://freeskier.com/stories/vote-now-superunknown-ix-best-trick#commentsTue, 03 Apr 2012 20:14:23 +0000http://freeskier.com/?p=18916While the public awaits the announcement of a winner in Level 1's Superunknown IX contest, the folks at Level 1 today unveiled the Best Trick contest. As stated on the Level 1 website, the highlight reel below showcases the "biggest, best, most tech, creative, and innovative tricks from the Superunknown IX contest." The Level 1 […]

]]>While the public awaits the announcement of a winner in Level 1's Superunknown IX contest, the folks at Level 1 today unveiled the Best Trick contest.

As stated on the Level 1 website, the highlight reel below showcases the "biggest, best, most tech, creative, and innovative tricks from the Superunknown IX contest." The Level 1 crew sifted through all of the entries—Finalists, Honorable Mentions, and the rest—and selected 19 shots as potential winners.

What trick tops the rest? Watch the clips in the playlist below, then vote for your favorite on Level 1's website.

]]>http://freeskier.com/stories/vote-now-superunknown-ix-best-trick/feed0US Freeskiing announces national slopestyle teamhttp://freeskier.com/stories/us-freeskiing-announces-national-slopestyle-team
http://freeskier.com/stories/us-freeskiing-announces-national-slopestyle-team#commentsFri, 04 Nov 2011 20:51:20 +0000http://freeskier.com/?p=18934On April 6, 2011 the IOC added halfpipe skiing to the 2014 Sochi Olympics event roster. Just one month later, the USSA announced the creation of the US Freeskiing brand. Later, on June 15, the first ever US Freeskiing national halfpipe team was unveiled. 'Twas an exciting moment for the athletes, and for the American […]

]]>On April 6, 2011 the IOC added halfpipe skiing to the 2014 Sochi Olympics event roster. Just one month later, the USSA announced the creation of the US Freeskiing brand.

Later, on June 15, the first ever US Freeskiing national halfpipe team was unveiled. 'Twas an exciting moment for the athletes, and for the American skiing community as a whole. The first major steps had been taken towards making freeskiing's Olympic dream a reality.

Once the initial buzz faded, the question quickly became: when will they announce the national slopestyle squad? For months we've been waiting, and today we lay our curiosity to rest.

Ten athletes have been nominated to the group: Bobby Brown, Sammy Carlson, Gus Kenworthy, Alex Schlopy, Tom Wallisch, Grete Eliassen, Keri Herman, Devin Logan, Ashley Battersby and Meg Olenick. They will all now have to officially accept their nomination.

These individuals earned their spots on the team largely in part to last season's competition success. As members of the troop, they'll enjoy the benefits of a nationally sanctioned team, including: top-level coaching, support at dryland and on-snow camps, as well at major competitions, and of course access to the USSA Center of Excellence training facility in Park City, UT.

"I'm very proud to be nominated to the first ever US Freeskiing Slopestyle Pro Team," said Wallisch. "I'm definitely looking ahead to the Olympics in Sochi. Everything is happening so fast, and it's just awesome to be a part of. It's going to be an exciting couple of years leading up to 2014!"

Jeremy Forster, director of US Snowboarding and US Freeskiing notes, "It's a big step in developing our US Freeskiing program by establishing the Slopestyle Pro Team. The sport has progressed incredibly and this is a part of our commitment to supporting the riders in pursuit of their Olympic goals in 2014."

Perhaps the most surprising news of the day is the announcement of multiple-X Games medalist Evan Raps as the team's coach; Raps is currently in medical school.

Now that both the US slopestyle and halfpipe rosters have been announced, we'll follow along with the grueling competition season to see how the athletes perform. A spot on the team does not guarantee an Olympic berth; they'll have to continue to perform at the highest level, and to adhere to the strict schedule/criteria that go hand-in-hand with earning a spot on the Olympic roster.

In October, the Association of Freeskiing Professionals (AFP) met with the International Ski Federation (FIS) in Zurich, CH to discuss the state of freeskiing and the Olympics. With many people concerned that Olympic inclusion may pose a threat to the integrity of freeskiing as a whole, the meetings were much needed. The discussion was extremely positive, however, and key agreements were made ensuring the athletes' desires are met.

For more on this exciting news, see the official press release below.

Inaugural Slopestyle Skiing Pro Team Nominated

PARK CITY, UT (Nov. 4) – Following on the heels of slopestyle skiing included in the 2014 Olympic program, the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association has announced another progressive addition to the Team with the formation of the inaugural U.S. Freeskiing Slopestyle Pro Team.
Athletes like AFP Slopestyle Tour Champion Bobby Brown (Breckenridge, CO), World Championship gold medalist Alex Schlopy (Park City, UT), World Championship bronze medalist Keri Herman (Breckenridge, CO), X Games gold medalist Sammy Carlson (Hood River, OR) and Dew Tour winner Tom Wallisch (Salt Lake City), headline a list of 10 athletes nominated to the landmark team.

"It's a big step in developing our U.S. Freeskiing program by establishing the Slopestyle Pro Team," said U.S. Snowboarding and U.S. Freeskiing Director Jeremy Forster. "The sport has progressed incredibly and this is a part of our commitment to supporting the riders in pursuit of their Olympic goals in 2014."

Slopestyle skiing was incorporated as an Olympic sport this past July. Athletes are judged on runs in which they perform tricks on a series of jumps, rails, boxes and other features of a manmade slopestyle course.

For Wallisch, being nominated to the country's first slopestyle skiing team is an honor as well as an opportunity to see his Olympic dreams come true.

"I'm very proud to be nominated to the first ever U.S. Freeskiing Slopestyle Pro Team," said Wallisch. "I'm definitely looking ahead to the Olympics in Sochi. Everything is happening so fast, and it's just awesome to be a part of. It's going to be an exciting couple of years leading up to Sochi in 2014!"

Also nominated to the ranks of the first U.S. Freeskiing Slopestyle Team is AFP Overall Tour Champion Gus Kenworthy (Telluride, CO). Named to the women's roster are Herman, who took X Games slopestyle silver last season, World Championships team member and Dew Tour winner Ashley Battersby (Park City, UT), X Games bronze medalist Grete Eliassen (Salt Lake City), AFP Overall Tour Champion Devin Logan (West Dover, VT) and World Championship team member Meg Olenick (Aspen, CO).

Bobby Brown at the 2011 European X Games in Tignes, France | Photo: Shay Williams

Leading the charge for this first ever group is Evan Raps, newly hired U.S. Freeskiing Slopestyle Pro Team Coach. Raps is a former competitive freeskiing athlete and X Games medalist who is a key pioneer of the freeskiing movement.

The development of U.S. Freeskiing has spurred strong partner interest from major global brands including The North Face, Visa, Delta, Paul Mitchell, High Sierra and others. Freeskiing has been a hot segment of the skiing marketplace with a strong focus by resorts worldwide.

"Freeskiing has really ignited growth with kids which is being recognized by the industry and companies which want to affiliate with newschool events," said USSA's Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer Andrew Judelson. "Brands like The North Face, Visa and others have been quick to recognize the excitement that's going on in parks and pipes as the sport makes its way to the Olympic stage."

The slopestyle skiing season kicks off for athletes with the 2012 Winter Dew Tour in Breckenridge, CO Dec. 15.